With the initial frenzy of NFL free agency dying down we take a new look at a Detroit Lions seven-round mock draft for the 2016 NFL Draft.
As I mentioned when releasing my version 2.0 Detroit Lions seven-round mock draft, I’m more interested in exploring scenarios for how the draft could play out rather than worry about being “right” – as if there could be such a thing when mock drafting.
To that end, I’ve purposefully started off with a different first round pick in each of the now three versions of my seven-round mocks.
In version 1.0 I got thing started with Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland. In 2.0, it was Baylor defensive tackle Andrew Billings. This time I’m going in a totally different direction, switching the first round pick over to the offensive side of the ball.
Now on with the Detroit Lions 2016 seven-round mock draft, version 3.0.
Next: Round 1
First Round
The Detroit Lions’ desire to upgarde the offensive line hasn’t come to fruition yet this offseason. Russell Okung signed with the Denver Broncos after receiving interest from the Lions and news linking them to other options hasn’t come.
The draft is increasingly looking like the avenue by which the Lions will address the offensive line and a target in the first round would be a tackle.
In Ohio State’s Taylor Decker the Lions get a prospect capable of playing on either side. That’s important as it gives them a solution on the right side and a plan on the left side in case Riley Reiff‘s time with the Lions comes to an end after playing out his fifth-year option in 2016.
Check out my mock draft from last week for a full first round mock with Decker going to the Lions.
Next: Round 2
Second Round
Many Lions fans felt like the team could upgrade at safety or at worst re-sign Isa Abdul-Quddus as a backup plan. George Iloka re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Abdul-Quddus got starter’s money from the Miami Dolphins to cause some consternation among fans.
The Lions did sign Tavon Wilson and Rafael Bush but neither received a deal that would suggest the Lions look at either of them as anything more as depth with an opportunity to compete for playing time.
The current situation at safety is a good opportunity for the reminder that there are still ways to improve the roster at the Lions’ disposal, primarily the draft. If the Lions’ front office is as unsettled about the safety position as the fanbase, an early draft pick may be in order. Duke’s Jeremy Cash is one such prospect that would fit the bill in the second round.
The 6-0, 212 pounder is a strong safety to complement Glover Quin at free safety. He is capable in coverage or playing at the line of scrimmage in run support. That is an important combination considering nickel and dime defenses takes linebackers off the field. Having Cash on the field at safety is like getting a linebacker back when in coverage-heavy defenses.
Next: Round 3
Third Round
Not a lot has been said about the Lions’ situation at tight end but there is roster work to do there as well. Eric Ebron is the only sure thing (in terms of his place on the roster), with Brandon Pettigrew often mentioned as a cap casualty before tearing his ACL late last season. The injury complicates the team’s ability to part ways while he is recovering so the Lions may find it easier to let him heal and stick around for another year.
Tim Wright was re-signed after he wasn’t tendered a contract as a restricted free agent. That makes it a low-cost deal with low-level commitment. Wright wasn’t much of a factor after coming over from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a trade for kicker Kyle Brindza and doesn’t have the frame to hold up as a blocker.
Add it all up and it’s a cloudy situation without much upside, putting a draft pick in play. Nick Vannett is a nice target if the Lions want to invest a day two pick in a tight end. He can be a well-balanced tight end the Lions hoped they were getting when they drafted Brandon Pettigrew in 2009.
Next: Round 4
Fourth Round
There doesn’t appear to be any movement towards replacing Joique Bell on the roster following his release. It was clear Bell’s time was up as a Lion but that leaves touches for the Lions to replace in their running back rotation, even with an increase in workload by Ameer Abdullah.
Zach Zenner was a preseason fan favorite but hasn’t done enough to be handed Bell’s role in the offense so adding a mid-round pick to the mix makes a ton of sense.
Kenyan Drake isn’t getting as many headlines as his former Crimson Tide backfieldmate Derrick Henry but he has a shot to be a very good pro in his own right.
Drake brings similary versatility that Bell brought to the Lions offense but does so with more explosion and big-play potential.
Next: Round 5
Fifth Round
Ziggy Ansah is a blossoming star but help is needed at defensive end. A higher draft pick could be in order but it just didn’t play out that way in this scenario. Any draft pick will have his fair share of flaws at this point in the draft but Ronald Blair brings a lot to like. He has decent size with long arms and plays with effort to make up for not having great speed.
The focus on improving the offensive line has gone to the tackle position but Travis Swanson‘s play last season didn’t inspire confidence. Yes, it was his first season as the team’s full-time starting center but he fell short of expectations. There should be a jump in year two as a starter (year three as a pro) but can that be counted on?
Using a fifth round pick on another center is a good way to hedge the bet on Swanson and at worst, the loser of the battle for the starting job is there to be the reserve interior offensive lineman.
Next: Round 6
Sixth Round
The signing of Marvin Jones helps in the team’s remake of the wide receiver depth chart following the retirement of Calvin Johnson but there are opportunities to improve over the likes of Lance Moore and Corey Fuller. Geronimo Allison will need to get stronger but has a good frame and can develop into a big play threat if he can put it all together.
As the draft enters the crapshoot phase teams will be looking for traits they can develop. Deiondre’ Hall played cornerback, safety and linebacker at Northern Iowa and while linebacker won’t be a consideration at the next level, cornerback and safety will be. At 6-2, 199 lbs, he has the size many NFL teams covet in a cornerback but may ultimately best suited as safety to keep the play in front of him.
The 2016 quarterback class leaves a lot to be desired but the Lions should place a priority on coming out of this draft with quarterback in the mid to late rounds. Kevin Hogan isn’t a prospect to get excited about but he appears to be drawing significant interest from the Lions. They met with him at the combine and they sent offensive coordinator (and former quarterbacks coach) Jim Bob Cooter to the Stanford pro day.
Next: Round 7
Seventh Round
The Lions’ plans at linebacker are still murky with Stephen Tulloch still on the roster despite indications he would be released. Re-signing Tahir Whitehead takes away any desperation at linebacker but it remains to be seen if he is returning to try to win the middle linebacker job or as an outside linebacker.
My first seven-round mock draft led off with a middle linebacker and the third version concludes with one. William & Mary doesn’t come with the name recognition of Alabama but Luke Rhodes is a late-round FCS prospect that has the attention of several teams.
He was a tackling machine as a four-time all-conference player for the Tribe and has tested well in pre-draft workouts. The most bullish of scouts will draw comparisons to Carolina Panthers All-Pro Luke Kuechly but Rhodes will be a day three pick, even if his draft stock continues to rise.
Next: Lions Seven-Round Mock Draft v2.0
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